The Port of Abidjan is strengthening its logistics capabilities with a major investment of nearly 20 billion CFA francs (approximately US$35 million) to modernise its mineral terminal. Led by operator SEA-Invest, this equipment programme comes at a time when the Ivorian and regional mining sector is experiencing sustained growth, positioning the leading Ivorian port as a key logistics hub for mining exports from West Africa.
As concessionaire of the mineral and fruit terminals since 2009, SEA-Invest has launched a major upgrade plan for its mineral bulk facilities. The first wave of equipment has already arrived on site, including cranes worth around 8 billion CFA francs. In the coming months, two higher-capacity barges and two hoppers fitted with dust capture systems will complete the setup. These new tools will significantly increase the loading and unloading rates of bulk carriers transporting gypsum, limestone and clinker, raw materials essential to the cement industry.
This modernisation responds to a particularly favourable sectoral dynamic. Over the last decade, the mining sector's contribution to Côte d'Ivoire's GDP has risen from around 1% to 5%, while it now accounts for nearly 13% of national exports. At the same time, the port of Abidjan is establishing itself as a preferred regional hub. Between May and June 2025, the Chinese group Ganfeng Lithium already shipped its first exports of lithium concentrate from there, confirming the Ivorian site's role as a logistics hub.
The momentum extends beyond Côte d'Ivoire's borders. Several Malian mining companies, whose country has no coastline, are actively preparing their production and have already designated the Port of Abidjan as their main gateway to international markets. This convergence of national and regional flows fully justifies the investments made by SEA-Invest, carried out in close coordination with the government's strategy to expand and modernise port infrastructure.
"This new-generation equipment will enable the mineral terminal to absorb the expected increase in volumes while complying with the most stringent environmental standards," emphasise the project managers. Ultimately, the Port of Abidjan intends not only to consolidate its position as West Africa's leader in minerals, but also to support the industrial growth of the country and its neighbours.
With this operation, Côte d'Ivoire confirms its ambition to transform its port assets into a real lever for regional economic development in a rapidly expanding mining sector.